James R. Pierce Sr.

James Pierce Obituary

JAMES R. PIERCE, SR.
RICHFORD - James R. Pierce, Sr., of 790 Michigan Hill Rd., Richford, formerly of Groton, died unexpectedly Saturday, July 19, 2008, at his home.
James was born August 16, 1947 in Cortland, a son of the late Edgar and Doris (Slack) Pierce. He had been employed for many years as a drilling machine operator for Empire Soils Investigations of Groton, and later retired as a machinist from Therm Inc. in Ithaca. Jim had also worked for a number of years with the Gerald Goodale Farm in Groton. After his retirement in 1985, Jim moved to Richford where he operated his own hobby farm, and was affectionately known as "The Birdman of Michigan Hill."
He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Wendy (Sims) Pierce, at home; his 13 children, Tina (Shane) Nelson of Cayuga, Kenneth (Sara) Pierce of Newfield, James (Carrie) Pierce Jr. of Candor, Daniel (Angela) Pierce of Ithaca, Jacki (Dave) Swiernik of Groton, Theresa (Glenn) Munson of AZ, James (MaryEllen) Schoner of Groton, Karen Schoner of GA, Aaron Hilliard of Cayuga, Keith Hilliard of Moravia, Karrie Hilliard of GA, Sandra (Gene) Gilfus of FL, and Tammy (Stephen) Devlen of Spencer; 28 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, an aunt, three uncles, and cousins.
A Memorial Service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Thursday, July 24, at the Shurtleff Funeral Home, 103 Lincoln Avenue, Groton, with Pastor Sam Neno officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m., prior to the service.

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Published by Ithaca Journal on Jul. 21, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for James Pierce

10 Entries

Tina Nelson

July 28, 2008

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2008

Brad & Ellen Wahl

July 25, 2008

Wendy,
We just heard the sad news about Jim. He was a great guy. We're glad we got to know him.

Andrea Baker

July 23, 2008

Wendy and Family,
Very sorry for yer loss Jim was an excellent man who cared very much about others. Another good guy gone for michigan hill now him and my dad can sit and drink coffee and talk bout the good times while they are both watching over us.

Nancy Rick (Pierce)

July 23, 2008

Wendy: Sooo very sorry for your loss. Jim and I grew up together and I will miss him greatly.

Linda Pierce

July 23, 2008

Wendy,
I am saddened for your loss. Jim was there when you needed his help; very giving of his time. May God hold him close and may God be with you through this time.
Jim's cousin Linda Pierce

susie ripley

July 22, 2008

My prayer's and thought's are with you all.I went to school with Jim and he was a true friend over the years. He will surely be missed by all.

Susie Batzer Ripley

Linda Green

July 21, 2008

I always thought Jim was a pretty quiet guy. But the last few times I was in Cortland for lunch with my aunts and uncles, he and Wendy were there, and he had no trouble finding enough words to pick on me. I was looking forward to seeing him at our next lunch. He will be missed.

BARB DECKER

July 21, 2008

WHAT A LOSS FOR THIS WORLD.I DONT KNOW OF A KINDER, GENTLE MAN.MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY.

Marilyn Pierce

July 21, 2008

Dear Wendy and family,
I am so saddened to hear of Jimmy's sudden passing. I have fond memories of my cousin.

Diane Brink

July 21, 2008

I grew up down the road from Jim. He was always very quiet, but I knew he was there. I saw him after he married my cousin Wendy he wasn't quiet like he was, he at least talk to me. Sure going to miss you Jim. Love Diane Brink

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